Last month, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance announced it would take over operation of the North American Fatigue Management Program (NAFMP). The program was launched in 2013 as a collaboration between US and Canadian regulators, researchers, and motor carriers to enable motor carriers to implement comprehensive Fatigue Management Programs.
A lot has changed in trucking since the launch of the NAFMP. The most notable in this context has been the electronic logging device mandate and the evolution of easily accessible, web-based training modules. Since 2013, carriers’ focus on fatigue-related issues has focused on tools they deem most effective, including monitoring drivers using ELDs, inward and outward-facing cameras, learning management systems, and other communications tools that deliver customized, timely coaching and training based on specific observations.
With the program’s transition to CVSA in the face of ongoing FMCSA research on the program’s effectiveness, STC can’t help but wonder: has trucking tired of the NAFMP? To get to the bottom of this, STC has been informally asking carriers if they use the NAFMP and why. Here’s what we found:
- Most of those aware of the program’s existence don’t use the program.
- Those that do know about the program say that it is too long and cumbersome to be effective.
- While carriers appreciate its thoroughness and focus on organizational change, the commitment required to apply the program is daunting, clocking in at nearly 15 hours of minimum training across the organization.
CVSA has promised to “enhance, improve, and grow” the NAFMP program in 2022 and beyond. We hope the research commissioned by FMCSA and NIOSH will also add value to the enhancement of the program, as well as recommendations for further action on this critically important safety topic. STC hopes these organizations keep the recent evolution of the industry in mind as they work collaboratively to help the industry address driver fatigue in the future.